Wylie synthesis question period 5, group 3

The pottery created by the Ancient Roman and Greeks was not merely for adornment; rather it had the ability to persuade and illustrate the ideals of their society pertaining to their Gods, Heroes, and even Mythical Creatures. Ancient Greek craftsmen mastered the technique of black figure vase painting in the early 7th century B.C. Many of these vases told of heroic tales of Gods and Heroes of war, engaged in battle scenes. Pottery was enjoyed by all social classes, used as a practical utensil for everyday living and in some cases as decorations for the aristocracy. The amphora was often awarded as a trophy to those who were triumphant in the Olympic Games held in honor of the Gods. This ancient form of pottery was a timeless trade passed on through generations improving in its craftsmanship. Vase paintings reflected not only daily living but also religious deities, the most common design being the animal frieze. The black figured technique was later replaced by the red figure where a brush was used to give scenes a more natural representation of the human body. This translated more everyday life scenes of drinking and athleticism. It was until the 5th century B.C. that daily activities were used as the decorative preference. Where warriors were replaced by the handsome of youths playing music or listening to a performance and women were depicted in wedding preparations. Everyday occurrences and themes preferred by the aristocracy teach us today about life in the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans.